ILLINOIS — Netflix is officially stepping into New York’s gritty nightlife scene this fall with the release of Black Rabbit, a high-stakes thriller series starring Jason Bateman and Jude Law as estranged brothers with secrets. The eight-episode limited series will premiere September 18 on the platform.
In a departure from their previous roles, both actors are also executive producers, with Bateman taking the director’s chair for the show’s first two episodes.
A Story of Family, Power, and Secrets in NYC
The plot of Black Rabbit revolves around two brothers — Jake Friedken (Jude Law), the owner of a rising New York restaurant/lounge named Black Rabbit, and Vince (Jason Bateman), his estranged sibling who suddenly returns to help run the family business. But this reunion brings more than just tension — it threatens to unearth buried trauma, rivalry, and danger.
As previewed in The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix describes the show as a “propulsive thrill ride” through New York’s high-pressure nightlife, exploring the bond — and volatility — of brotherhood.
A Gritty New Look for Jason Bateman
Early photos released by Netflix show Bateman with a grizzled new look, portraying a more weathered, haunted character than his Ozark persona. In contrast, Law plays the charismatic, suit-clad Jake, who’s built a glitzy empire at Black Rabbit but finds it increasingly difficult to keep the past at bay.
Bateman’s new aesthetic immediately caught fan attention on social media, signaling a darker turn for the actor-director.
High-Caliber Direction and Star-Studded Cast
The series boasts a rotating lineup of talented directors:
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Jason Bateman: Episodes 1–2
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Laura Linney (Ozark): Episodes 3–4
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Ben Semanoff and Justin Kurzel: Episodes 5–8
The ensemble cast includes Cleopatra Coleman, Amaka Okafor, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Troy Kotsur, Abbey Lee, Chris Coy, Dagmara Domińczyk, Odessa Young, and Robin De Jesús, with additional performances by Amir Malaklou, Don Harvey, Forrest Weber, and others.
Produced by a Powerhouse Team
Black Rabbit was created by Zach Baylin (King Richard) and Kate Susman, and produced under multiple major banners:
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Youngblood Pictures (Baylin & Susman)
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Aggregate Films (Bateman, Michael Costigan, Roxie Rodriguez)
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Riff Raff Entertainment (Jude Law, Ben Jackson)
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Automatik, plus additional execs: Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Frognowski, Justin Levy, David Bernon, Erica Kay
This powerhouse team brings together Emmy-winning experience and high-production values, promising a show that’s as intense as it is emotionally layered.
How It Compares to Other Prestige Dramas
Industry insiders are already drawing comparisons between Black Rabbit and FX’s The Bear, pointing to the culinary setting, city backdrop, and themes of family dysfunction and ambition.
But Black Rabbit leans more into the psychological thriller genre, setting it apart as both a crime drama and a study in sibling loyalty and betrayal.
Are you excited to watch Jason Bateman and Jude Law share the screen? Tell us which premiere you’re most anticipating this fall at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
